‘Walk for Safer Roads’ on World Day of Remembrance for road accident victims 

Chandigarh

November 19, 2017

As many as 250 persons participated in the ‘Walk for safer roads’ to mark the World Day of Remembrance (WDR) for road accident victims at children’s traffic park, Sector 23 on Sunday. This was organized by well known non- profit organization Citizens Awareness Group along with Consumer VOICE, Delhi and Chandigarh Police. The walk was followed by the candlelight march and the event saw the participation of social activists, personnel of Chandigarh Police, Traffic Police, scores of students of MCM College and Home Science College. People who have been grievously injured in road accidents are also came forward to extend their solidarity to the cause besides families affected. The DSP Traffic, Rajeev Ambasta delivered a talk and gave detailed information on traffic rules. Motivational speaker and Traffic Marshal, Mohinder Kour Kataria spoke on the significance of the day.

Earlier in the morning a human chain was created and peace march was held at Sector-5 Panchkula to spread the awareness on WDR based on the theme of “2020 Target: Reduce Road Fatalities and Serious Injuries by 50%.” This annual event represents a significant opportunity to call attention to the road safety situation. The peace march held at both Chandigarh and Panchkula was also aimed at demanding immediate passage of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill-2017.

While speaking on the occasion, Amarjeet Singh, Consumer VOICE said “About 1.3 million people die each year on the world’s roads and between 20 and 50 million sustain non-fatal injuries. Road traffic crashes are a major cause of death among all age groups and the leading cause of death among those aged 15–29 years. The road safety bill promised by the Government is yet to see the light of day. We are urging government to pass the Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2017 in the next session of Parliament. “If this bill is further deferred, we will be putting at risk precious lives of citizens before the next session of the Parliament can adopt it”.

While sharing the fact sheet on Chandigarh and Haryana, Surinder Verma, Chairman, Citizens Awareness Group said “In the Union Terriotry Chandigarh alone 428 road crashes, 329 injuries and 151 road fatalities took place in the year 2016 as per the report released by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).In the state of Haryana alone 11,234 road crashes, 10,531 injuries and 5,024 road fatalities took place in the year 2016. These casualties may include thousands of innocent children and youth into their productive years of life. This is a massacre on the roads. The passage of Bill is crucial in the upcoming session.”

As per the annual publication ‘Road Accidents in India-2016’ released by Ministry for Road Transport and Highways total 4,80,652 road accidents took place resulting into 1,50,785, road traffic deaths and 4,94,624 injuries in a year. Everyday-1,317 Accidents take place and 413 Persons are being killed on Indian Roads.

“India can achieve its commitment of reducing fatalities by 50% by the year 2020 through passage of MV (A) Bill 2017 and its proper implementation by state governments. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2017 has already been cleared by the Lok Sabha in last session and is under consideration with the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha”, informed Surinder Verma.